Cricket: IT was an emotional occasion as 66-year-old John McNally played his final game for the Hargreaves Two Counties Over-50s side at Mistley.McNally hit a rapid half-century and shared in an opening stand of 105 with Don Curtis, but when he was out, the Mistley players spontaneously formed a guard of honour and shook his hand as he left the field to a standing ovation.

IT was an emotional occasion as 66-year-old John McNally played his final game for the Hargreaves Two Counties Over-50s side at Mistley.

McNally hit a rapid half-century and shared in an opening stand of 105 with Don Curtis, but when he was out, the Mistley players spontaneously formed a guard of honour and shook his hand as he left the field to a standing ovation.

Skipper Phil Cox called McNally up to bowl the final over the drawn game and he was rewarded with a wicket as he went out in a blaze of glory.

Geoff Newman, match manager of the Over-50s side, said afterwards: "John has been with the team since we started in 1985 and he has been a real credit to us.

"He skippered the team for three years and did an excellent job after taking over from the late John Ellis. It's his decision to call it a day and we all wish him well, although I'm sure he'll be back to watch us next season."

Hargreaves Two Counties Over-50s 216 (McNally 52, Curtis 46, M Barlow 3 for 38). Mistley Seniors 203 for 8 (Lambert 45, Dove 44 n.o., Simmons 5 for 70). Match drawn.